Everlasting Love
Chapter Two
Tashiro, the headman of the village watched from his hut as the preparations for his son's feast were under way. The rain from late in the afternoon had finally stopped, however it was going to be a dark evening since the moon was barely visible in the sky. Even though this evening would be a time of joy and celebration, he was frustrated beyond belief. It had been nearly four month's since he had approached Miroku, suggesting that an arranged marriage could be settled between his eldest son and the monk's daughter. Seeing as how strong Miroku and his wife were, he had no doubt that their daughter would have the same trait, and would be able to bless his family with many strong children. Though he still had no answer from Miroku, and his patience was beginning to wear thin. Of course, the protector of the village, Inu-Yasha had a daughter as well, and would also bear strong children . . . but they would all have demon blood running through their veins. Although he didn't have anything against half demons, he knew damn well that Inu-Yasha would never go along with it, not to mention his own wife would completely disagree. While he didn't hate half demons, she did and would rather die than see one of her sons being married to one. So that left only Miroku left to ask . . .
"Papa . . ."
Tashiro looked down to see his eldest son, Yoshimi, toddling over towards him. Forgetting about his problems, a smile crossed his face as he lifted his son up into his arms, holding the boy close to him. He wanted the best for his son, and to him Miroku's daughter would be the best for the arranged marriage ordeal. However what if the monk refused . . . would he be willing to take drastic measures to force Miroku to say yes? Or would he oblige by the monk's decision and look for someone else for his son?
"Tashiro? Tashiro where are you?" called his wife's voice.
Straightening up, he pushed his shoulder off the door and headed into the house, "I'm right here Arisha,"
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Miroku walked silently by his wife as they made their way to the center of the village for the feast. The twins were safe and sound with Kohaku and Kirara watching them. His eyes would glance to Sango the odd time, wondering what was going through her head. She had said it over and over again that she was against the arranged marriage idea however, he was starting to think that maybe it was.
"Inu-Yasha and Kagome are coming right?" asked Sango, breaking the silence between them.
"I'm sure they are, after all Inu-Yasha is the village protector,"
"True, but you know he hates these social gatherings. Perhaps Kagome will convince him to come by sitting him into the ground a few times,"
Miroku laughed at the thought, and reached his hand out to hold his wife's.
"Have you decided yet? You know that the headman is growing impatient with you avoiding him lately,"
"I know I'm giving him an answer tonight,"
Sango wondered if she should ask what his decision would be, but decided not to, "I know you'll make the right choice,"
Miroku nodded softly and tightened his grip a little firmer on his wife's hand, 'Will I be making the right choice?' thought the monk.
"Did you know Kohaku has girlfriend?"
Hearing Sango speak brought him out of his thoughts, "He has a what?"
"He's found someone that he likes, or as Kagome put it this afternoon, he has a girlfriend,"
Miroku smiled, "And who is the lucky woman,"
"Her name is Saya; Kagome spotted the two of them kissing the other day in the forest,"
"Well that sly dog," teased Miroku.
Sango giggled, "I don't know why he was being so sneaky about it, but when I asked him about it he turned a crimson red and started to stutter,"
Miroku chuckled, "Well that's good to hear, and it's about time he found someone,"
Sango was about to reply, but her attention was brought to the forest when she suddenly glimpsed the color red. Her smile widened as she saw Inu-Yasha and Kagome coming out of the forest with the half demon wearing his usual fire rat robes, and his mate wearing the priestess attire she usually wore for special occasions instead of just a regular kimono.
"It seems Kagome did manage to convince Inu-Yasha to come," said Sango, pointing towards the forest.
Miroku looked to where his wife was pointing and smiled as well, "Well I'm glad that they did come; besides I don't know why Inu-Yasha complains to these sorts of things. Since he is after all the village protector he gets to sit near the head of the table . . . and not to mention get some of the best food,"
Sango laughed out loud, "That is true,"
The two waited at the base of the hill as Inu-Yasha and Kagome approached them.
"Nice evening isn't it?" asked Miroku.
"Keh, I wish it was still raining," Sighed Inu-Yasha, his arm wrapped firmly around his mate's waist.
Sango giggled, "I'm surprised you two made it on time, usually your late because your arguing whether to come or not,"
"It is after all the headman's son," said Inu-Yasha, "Besides we also left early,"
"You left early? Then why are you arriving now?"
Inu-Yasha didn't answer and before Miroku could ask again, Sango nudged him softly, pointing to the small leaves that were stuck in Kagome's hair, which was up in a bun. A sly smile spread on the monk's lips as he poked the half demon with his staff, "Decided to have a little fun before coming to the feast, eh Inu-Yasha?"
The half demon turned around growling, "None of your fucking business monk,"
Miroku lifted his hands up in surrender and said no more on the matter; however that stupid little grin never left his face.
"So Shippo is watching over Natasha of course?" asked Sango, trying to change the subject.
Kagome nodded, "Yup, but we promised him we wouldn't stay too long at the feast. Remember what happened last time?"
Sango gave a single nod, remembering what had happened at the last feast that had been held. Everything had gone perfectly through the night except Inu-Yasha complaining about having to come. However it started to go down hill when a loud piercing scream had sounded through the night, and she had never seen Inu-Yasha so scared in all her life. The half demon had suddenly took off without a word to anyone, but the answer was soon revealed as they saw two demons chasing Natasha out of the forest, her little voice screaming for her mother and father. Inu-Yasha made it in time to slaughter the two demons, and soon Shippo joined the party only to be yelled at by the furious half demon since the fox was supposed to be watching his pup.
After everything was explained it seemed that Shippo left the house for just a second to grab some firewood in the back while Natasha was sleeping, however some time in those few seconds the pup had awoken and went through the front door to find her parents. Natasha got a tongue lashing from her mother and father, however unlike most of the parents in the village; Inu-Yasha never raised his hand towards his daughter. Inu-Yasha didn't believe in the physical punishment such as a 'spanking', but the threat of using it did work just the same on Natasha.
"So what are they doing this time? Another small shrine being built for the brat?" asked Inu-Yasha.
"That's only for the eldest son," informed Miroku.
"So this time . . . it's going to be an animal sacrifice isn't it?" asked Kagome.
Sango sighed," I'm afraid so. At my village when I was born a small shrine was made for me since my father was the headman, but when it was Kohaku's turn they sacrificed one of the sheep,"
"Not to mention we have to approach the head man and his family, offering our blessings and a gift," said Miroku.
"A gift . . . hey Kagome did we bring a gift?" asked Inu-Yasha.
Kagome sighed softly, "Lucky for you I remembered to bring a gift,"
"So what are you giving them?"
"I made a little kimono for their son . . . its better than giving food like everyone else does,"
Inu-Yasha shrugged his shoulders and turned to Miroku, "So bozo what did you get the kid,"
Miroku removed the cloth from the object he was carrying to reveal a golden dragon.
Inu-Yasha stared at the statue and then up at the monk, "You stole that didn't you?"
Miroku smiled, "I didn't steal it,"
Inu-Yasha sighed, "Don't tell me you swiped that from the headman's house in Musashi when we were there,"
"Nonsense, I merely told the head man that it was possessed by a demon and he handed it over willingly,"
The half demon thwacked the monk over the head, "So in other words you lied to the poor guy,"
Sango and Kagome sighed softly as they entered into the center of the village. Torches had been lit for light, and a giant table had been set up in a circle with a table in the middle for the headman.
"Shall we take our seats?" asked Inu-Yasha, heading towards the nearest table. Kagome followed after Inu-Yasha, but the half demon was stopped by one of the villagers.
"Inu-Yasha, you and your mate will be sitting in the middle with the headman," said the villager.
Inu-Yasha opened his mouth to speak, but he couldn't remember the man's name.
"Akahito . . ." whispered Kagome, low enough for only Inu-Yasha to hear.
"Why are we sitting in the middle Akahito?" asked the half demon.
"Because you are the village protector of course!"
"Um . . . sure . . . uh let's go then Kagome," said Inu-Yasha, taking his mate by the hand and leading her into the middle, sitting at the table beside the headman's wife.
"Good evening Inu-Yasha, you and your mate look well tonight," said Arisha, who was holding a sleeping baby boy.
"Uh . . . thanks . . . you look well too," said Inu-Yasha.
"Your baby looks so cute . . . what have you decided to call him?" asked Kagome, taking a seat beside her mate.
"His name is Hirokichi," said Tashiro, who took a seat beside his wife and had a sleeping toddler in his arms.
"That's a nice strong name," commented Kagome.
"Indeed it is," agreed Tashiro, his eyes shifting over to Miroku who was sitting on his left beside his wife.
Soon, all the villagers were seated and Kagome waved at Kaede who took a seat beside Miroku. Once everyone was seated and quieted down, the headman stood up, holding his hands above his head for complete silence.
"Good evening everyone . . . welcome to the feast in honor of my son . . . Hirokichi!" Arisha held her son up high for the villagers to see and many of them applauded. "Tonight we feast in his honor, so enjoy the food the women of this village have prepared for you to eat!"
"About damn time!" hissed Inu-Yasha digging into his plate.
Kagome sighed softly, shook her head and started to eat her own food.
Kaede chuckled softly as she watched Inu-Yasha gobbling down his food, "He never changes does he?"
"I don't think he ever will, Kaede," Sighed Miroku.
"So, you are going to give the headman an answer tonight?" asked the old priestess.
"Does everyone have to ask me that tonight?"
"Well it's been over four month's . . . time to tell him your decision," said Kaede matter-of-factly.
"I know . . ."
"So were going to have another animal sacrifice again?" asked Kaede.
"Yeah, I'm hoping it won't be something big like a cow or something . . . something small that won't be crying out in pain for hours,"
Kaede nodded in agreement and started to munch on her bread.
The feast continued on peacefully, and once everyone was done eating, it was time for the animal sacrifice in honor of Hirokichi. A pig was brought forth, and the village sword smith came forward to kill the animal. Like most of the women, Kagome turned so she couldn't watch, burying her face in her mate's shoulder. In one downward thrust the pigs head was chopped off and the scent of blood hit Inu-Yasha's sensitive nose like a sledge hammer. The half demon had to cover his nose and try not to be sick. The pig's blood was then poured into a small cup and then head man drew the small kanji for 'Honor' on his son's forehead.
Inu-Yasha continued to grumble and shift impatiently as the night continued to go on. Now they were at the part where the villagers approach them and offer their blessing and then a gift. Since he was already sitting in the middle they got to present their gift first, but now they had to sit through everyone blessing the child and giving him a gift. The half demon couldn't believe how long this was taking, all he wanted to do was get the hell out of there with his mate, go home, make love to her, and then go to bed for the night. The scent of blood was still over flowing through his senses and not to mention every one was talking so loud it was killing his poor hearing.
"Inu-Yasha?" asked Kagome softly, her hand coming up to entwine with his, "You okay?"
The half demon shook his head, his hands coming up to cover his ears. Kagome frowned softly as she stood up, taking a seat beside the headman, "Tashiro?"
"Yes Kagome what is it?"
"I'm afraid Inu-Yasha and I have to go,"
"Why? The celebration is just getting started,"
"I know, and I apologize for the rudeness of us leaving so soon, but I'm afraid my mate is getting sick from the smell of that pig blood," said Kagome, pointing to her mate who was a little pale and still had his hands covering his ears," Also the noise is hurting his ears,"
"Ah, that makes perfect sense. No worries, you may leave then," said Tashiro.
Kagome bowed and then grabbed her mate by the arm to get him to his feet, "We can go now,"
"About fucking time," grumbled Inu-Yasha, starting to head towards the forest.
"Will you just hang on for a moment; we have to say good-bye to Sango, Miroku, and Kaede first,"
The half demon sighed, but followed after his mate who was already heading towards the monk.
Miroku looked up from his conversation with his wife to see Inu-Yasha and Kagome approaching them, "Going home I take it?"
"I'm afraid Inu-Yasha's not feeling so good from that animal sacrifice and all that blood,"
Miroku nodded, "I know, I thought I saw that Inu-Yasha had turned a shade of green when that pigs head was sliced off,"
Sango stood and gave Kagome a hug, "We'll see you tomorrow then?"
"Most likely,"
"I'm also sure you little pup misses you," commented Kaede, standing to give Kagome a hug as well.
"I have a feeling Shippo has his hands tied," said Miroku, "but I'm sure he can watch her long enough for you two to have some more 'fun',"
Kagome simply blushed, but Inu-Yasha thwacked the monk over the head again, "Hey mind your own fucking business,"
Miroku chuckled as Inu-Yasha and Kagome started to head off towards their home.
"You know, you keep bugging him like that and he's going to crack your skull some day," Sighed Sango.
"Ah, but I have so much fun teasing him like that," said Miroku, picking up the golden statue, and helping Sango to her feet since it was their turn to approach the headman and his family. Kneeling before Tashiro, Miroku presented them with the golden dragon statue, and offered them their blessing.
"This must have cost you a fortune," gasped Arisha, looking closely at the gift they had just received.
"I got it as payment for exterminating a demon," said Miroku.
'Lying through his teeth again,' thought Sango as she played along, "I hope your son lives to be strong and healthy,"
As they stood up, Miroku felt a hand on his shoulder. Turning around he came face to face with the headman.
"Mind taking a walk with me?" asked Tashiro.
"I . . . I supposed I could . . . Sango you go back to the table, I'll be back and in a couple minutes,"
Sango nodded and didn't even need to ask what he and the headman were going to discuss. Deciding to ignore the butterflies that had suddenly appeared in her stomach, she sat beside Kaede and could only wait for her husband to return.
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The two men walked side by side towards the forest, not saying a word to each other until they were sure that no one would be eaves dropping. Only then when they had reached the edge of the forest did the headman speak.
"So have you com to a decision yet?" asked Tashiro.
Miroku sighed softly and scratched the back of his head, "In all honesty I'm not quite sure what I want to do yet,"
Tashiro sighed as well and crossed his arms, "I have given you well over four month's to think about it,"
"I know . . . and I'm thankful that you have given me the time to think it over, but . . ."
"You must tell me your decision right now for we are not returning to the village until you have given me a direct answer,"
"Tashiro, do you think that it is fair to our children for us to decide who they shall marry?" asked Miroku.
"So you are suggesting that they fall in love on their own is that? What if your daughter marries someone who is poor and cannot support her? I can guarantee you right now that if your daughter marries my son he will be able to build her a strong house, she will never go hungry, and she will be well taken care for,"
"Perhaps she would have a strong house and nice things,"
"So then the answer is yes?"
"It's not quite that simple Tashiro! What if the two of them hate each other? What if your son becomes a jerk of a man, treating women as if they were lower than dirt? Do you really think I would want my daughter married to someone like that?"
"Do you honestly think I would teach my son to treat women like that?"
"Most men in this era believe that women are just for breeding more sons! I have seen it many times in this country and in this village, and I would be a bastard of a father if I let my daughter marry a person of that characteristic,"
"Like I said before, do you honestly think I would teach my son to treat women like that? I know very damn well how some of the men in this country and village think, however the few of us such as you and me do not believe in such old beliefs. I was taught by my father that women have minds of their own and should not be treated as they have been by others as for breeding more sons into the world,"
Miroku sighed inwardly and looked up at the sky for a moment. Tashiro also took a moment to calm down, and was hoping that he was convincing the monk that his daughter would be in good hands. Finally after what seemed like hours of silence Miroku finally spoke, "I've come to my decision,"
Tashiro turned his eyes to the monk, "And it is?"
"I have . . . decided to go along with the arranged marriage . . . however . . . on one condition,"
Tashiro sighed with relief, but the stiffened when he heard there was a catch, "Which would be what?"
Miroku approached Tashiro so that he was eye to eye with him and didn't even blink once, "I will agree to this arrange marriage, however . . . if your son shows any sign that he will treat my daughter badly, the engagement is off,"
Tashiro was about to argue the monks comment but stopped. Even if he managed to rally the whole village against the monk there was still one big problem . . . and that was the monk's best friend . . . the protector of the village . . . Inu-Yasha. He knew damn well that the half demon would side with the monk instantly, and he wouldn't have a prayer against him. He had seen personally what powers Inu-Yasha had, and if you added that sword of his he was even more dangerous. Sighing softly, Tashiro stuck out his hand, "Agreed,"
Miroku allowed a small smile as he shook hands with the headman.
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Inu-Yasha watched silently from his perch in the tree near Miroku and the headman. He had been almost one hundred percent sure that Miroku would say no to the headman's offer, and had almost fallen out of the tree when the monk said yes. However he was glad that Miroku did have a small catch along with the deal. Scratching the back of his head, he took off silently from tree to tree and back to his house where his family was waiting for him. He could still smell the pig's blood, but it wasn't as bad as it had been before, and since the forest was so quiet, his hearing had returned to normal as well.
Landing in the clearing of his house, Inu-Yasha walked slowly over to the front door, running over a few thoughts in his head. He had a feeling Sango would be furious with Miroku for agreeing to the arranged marriage . . . but once she heard that there was a small catch, she might calm down a bit. Also, if the headman's son did turn out to be a son of a bitch, women using jerk, he knew Miroku would call the marriage off, and he would be right there with him. Even if the headman tried to turn the whole village against the monk, they wouldn't have a chance in hell against him. Smiling softly the half demon walked through the front shoji door only to have his leg grabbed by his pup.
"Daddy!" cried Natasha, clinging onto his leg, "Heard you coming . . . wanted to surprise you,"
Inu-Yasha chuckled and lifted the pup up into his arms, "And surprise me you did. Now where is that mother of yours?"
"In da bedroom,"
Smiling softly Inu-Yasha made his way to his and Kagome's bedroom to see her bent over making the bed.
"Natasha, why don't you get into your pajamas and then I'll tell you story?"
"Ok!" giggled the little pup as Inu-Yasha put her down and she ran out of the room.
With the pup gone, Inu-Yasha spoke again, "Miroku agreed to the arranged marriage,"
Kagome froze for a moment before turning around to face her mate, "He did?"
"Yeah, I overheard the conversation,"
"Sango is not going to be pleased,"
"That's what I figured, but Miroku made a deal with the headman,"
"What kind of deal?"
"If the headman's son does anything to make Miroku believe he won't treat his daughter right, the deal is off,"
"Oh, I suppose then it is alright . . . to an extent away,"
Inu-Yasha nodded, "Anyway, I have a feeling were going to hear all about it tomorrow,"
Kagome sighed, "Yes, we probably will,"
"Daddy! Daddy me ready for bed, you read story now?" squealed Natasha as she ran back into her parent's room, a book clutched in her little clawed hand.
Inu-Yasha turned around and scooped his pup into his arms, "Yes I'll read to you now, and then it's bed time for you pup,"
Natasha nodded and snuggled into her father's shoulder as he carried her off to his room and mouthed 'I'll be back' to his mate. Kagome giggled as her mate and daughter disappeared down the hall and blushed at the thought of what Inu-Yasha had in mind when he 'returned'. Laying out the pillows she pulled off her miko clothes and loosened the stick that had her hair in a bun, letting fall freely onto her shoulders. Placing her clothes aside, she wondered briefly if she should put her night shirt on. Giggling softly she crawled under the blankets and waited for her mate and lover to return to the room.
Shippo was already fast asleep up stairs, and soon her little pup would be asleep as well. After a few minutes passed, she could hear the closing of a shoji door and then the sounds of footsteps coming towards her room. Giggling softly she slid deeper under the covers to hide her nakedness. Soon Inu-Yasha appeared in the doorway, a sly look on his face as he closed the door behind him.
"Our pup is now fast asleep in her room," whispered Inu-Yasha.
Kagome watched as her half demon stripped off most of his clothing except for his pants as he climbed in to bed next to her. She could only smile as Inu-Yasha snuggled closer to her that he realized she wasn't wearing any clothes, his eyes widening momentarily. Soon a smirk appeared on his face and his lips were on hers in an instant. His hands moved down to remove his own clothing, and tossed the pants aside onto the floor. Kagome giggled as he moved to be above her, his golden eyes shinning in the candle light.
"You're just asking for trouble when you're in bed naked like this," hissed Inu-Yasha.
"You should know by now that I like trouble," giggled Kagome, her hands coming up to trace along his chest.
Inu-Yasha chuckled and kissed his mate on her forehead, "So . . . when Natasha turns two . . . we can try to have another pup . . . right?"
Kagome smiled softly and nodded, "Of course . . ."
The half demon smiled and kissed Kagome softly on the lips, "We can make love now right?"
"Natasha is fast asleep?"
Inu-Yasha listened carefully, his ear twitching to hear the soft steady breathing of his daughter, "Yup,"
"And what about Shippo?"
Trying to ignore the frustration that was starting to build, Inu-Yasha listened to the sounds upstairs, and thanked Kami that Shippo was asleep.
"Yes he's asleep,"
"Good . . . we can now,"
Growling lowly, Inu-Yasha captured Kagome's lips again, and began to show her how much he loved her by using his body.
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Sango sighed softly as her and Miroku made their way back to their home, trying to contain her anger until they reached the hut, then she would be able to scream at him all she wanted. Minutes ago the headman had made the announcement that his son and their daughter had been arranged to be married when they were older. Her fingers twitched and she almost wanted to slap her husband silly, but now was not the appropriate time.
Once they reached their home and the door was closed securely behind them, she turned around to scream at her husband. However a hand suddenly covered her mouth as she was pinned against the wall, staring into Miroku's eyes.
"Now, before you start to scream and yell at me . . . please hear me out Sango. I know that you are against the marriage . . . in a way I am too, but this way we will know that Misa will have someone who will be able to support her. However, I told the headman that if his son in anyway makes you or I think that he will not treat her properly, the arranged marriage is off. Now, I'm going to remove my hand," whispered Miroku.
Sango watched as her husband stepped back to give her space and she wondered whether or not to slap him, "What if he's just nice around us, we have no idea what he's going to be like behind closed doors?" hissed Sango.
Miroku nodded, "That is true, however there is one thing you are forgetting Sango my dear,"
"And what would that be,"
The monk smiled, "I know very damn well that you will be teaching our children not to take crap from anyone. If his son does treat her bad, I'm sure she'll just turn around and kick his ass,"
Sango giggled at the thought, "I . . . I guess that is true,"
Miroku chuckled, "Also, I'm going to ask Inu-Yasha to make sure he keeps a close eye on the headman's son,"
Sango nodded, "I suppose it's okay then,"
The monk also nodded and started to lead Sango upstairs, "Everything will turn out fine, now I suggest us going to bed since it has been a long night,"
Sango yawned softly as the two made their way upstairs to their room. Peeking his head into the twin's room, he could see that Misa and Keitaro were fast asleep, and Kirara was on the floor. The fire cat mewed softly and walked over towards Miroku.
"Any problems Kirara?" whispered Miroku.
Kirara shook her head.
"Good, Sango and I are going to bed, goodnight,"
Kirara mewed again and went back to her spot on the floor. Walking into his and Sango's bedroom, he watched curiously as she stood by the door, giggling softly.
"What's so funny?" whispered Miroku.
Sango didn't answer, but instead pointed out the window. Reaching the window, Miroku chuckled softly at the tender moment they were spying on. Down by the river that ran through the village was Kohaku, sitting in the dewy grass near the water with a girl sitting by his side. Her head was resting on his shoulder, and his arm was wrapped around her waist. Sango moved away from the window to get undressed, but Miroku continued to watch the cute scene for a few moments before closing the curtain and heading to bed himself.
TBC . . .